Bushra Griffith
Pimento cheese is a popular topping for burgers in South Carolina, where it is often called a PC burger. The creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy pimento cheese is a delicious complement to the savoury beef patty. To make a pimento cheese burger, you can start by preparing the pimento cheese spread by blending together cheeses, mayonnaise, pimentos, and spices. You can then form the ground beef into patties and grill them until they are almost done. Finally, top each patty with a generous amount of pimento cheese and allow it to melt before serving. The result is a juicy and flavourful burger that is sure to be a hit at any cookout or backyard BBQ.
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What You'll Learn
Making the pimento cheese spread
Pimento cheese is a popular burger topping in and around Columbia, South Carolina. It is a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy spread that beautifully complements the savouriness of the beef. The spread can be made up to 5 days in advance and refrigerated.
To make the pimento cheese spread, you will need a stand mixer or a handheld mixer. Combine the following ingredients in a mixing bowl: shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, cream cheese, diced pimentos, and spices such as cayenne pepper, paprika, Old Bay Seasoning, Tabasco sauce, and salt. You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or add a finely diced jalapeño pepper for more heat.
Blend the ingredients on medium speed until they reach a creamy, spreadable, and smooth texture. You can add more salt to taste if needed. The pimento cheese spread should be generously spread on a burger and grilled to perfection.
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Preparing the beef patties
To prepare the beef patties for your pimento cheese burger, start by selecting your beef. While any type of beef can be used, Wagyu or Kobe beef is considered the ultimate choice for making juicy and flavourful burger patties due to its optimal fat content. If you are watching your weight or trying to eat healthier, consider choosing a lower-fat option. For a budget-friendly option, look for ground beef with a fat ratio of 80%/20% or 85%/15%.
Next, you'll need to prepare your beef mixture. In a large bowl, add your ground beef, a binding agent such as egg, bread crumbs, and any desired seasonings like Old Bay Seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix the ingredients until they are well combined. You can also add other ingredients to your mixture, such as chopped vegetables or Worcestershire sauce, to enhance the flavour and nutrition of your patties.
Once your beef mixture is ready, it's time to form the patties. Divide the mixture into four to six equal portions and use your hands to shape them into round, 3/4-inch thick patties. If you're making mini sliders, you can divide the mixture into 12 portions and shape them into smaller patties.
After forming the patties, you can cook them immediately or store them for later. Freshly prepared beef patties can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours or frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to cook, heat a grill or a cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat, adding a pat of butter or some olive oil if desired. Place the patties on the cooking surface and cook for four to eight minutes per side, flipping only once, until they reach your desired doneness. For a medium burger, aim for an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius).
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Cooking the burgers
Cooking the perfect pimento cheese burger starts with shaping the beef into patties. Divide the ground beef into four equal-sized balls and gently form them into patties. Try to handle the meat as little as possible to avoid overworking it. Make an indent in the centre of each patty with your thumb to prevent the burgers from doming during cooking. Season the patties on both sides with salt and pepper, and drizzle with Worcestershire sauce.
Next, heat a charcoal or gas grill to medium-high heat, or use a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of vegetable oil or butter. Place the patties on the grill or skillet and cook for 3 to 6 minutes on each side, flipping only once, until you reach the desired doneness. For a medium burger, cook until the internal temperature reaches 140 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Towards the end of the cooking time, add a generous amount of pimento cheese to the top of each burger. Cover the burgers for the last 2 minutes of cooking to allow the cheese to melt. Alternatively, place the cooked patties on the bottom buns and top with pimento cheese, allowing it to melt slightly from the residual heat.
Finally, assemble your burgers by adding any desired toppings and the top bun. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delicious combination of juicy beef and creamy, spicy pimento cheese!
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Adding the pimento cheese
Start by placing a leaf of lettuce at the bottom of your bun, followed by the patty. Spread two tablespoons of pimento cheese over the patty, allowing it to melt and create a creamy texture. You can also add the cheese during the last minute of cooking and let it melt for about a minute. If you're using a microwave, heat the patty first, add the cheese, and then heat for another 10 seconds.
After adding the cheese, you can add toppings like tomatoes, lettuce, bacon, onions, and pickles, according to your preference. Finally, cover your burger with the top bun, and it's ready to serve! The pimento cheese adds a unique, creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor to the burger, creating a mouth-watering combination. Enjoy your delicious Southern-style pimento cheese burger!
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Serving the burgers
Now that you've prepared the pimento cheese and the patties, it's time to assemble and serve the burgers.
First, place a leaf of lettuce at the bottom of each bun. You can also add a slice of tomato and some red onion rings if you like. Then, place the patty on top. Spread 2 tablespoons of pimento cheese over each patty, cover, and allow to melt. You can also add a slice of bacon, some pickles, and ketchup or mustard if you like. Finally, place the top bun on the patty.
If you're using a grill, cook the patties until they're golden brown and slightly charred on both sides, which should take about 4 minutes per side for medium doneness. During the last minute of cooking, place a dollop of the cheese mixture on top of each patty and close the grill lid. Cook for another minute, until the cheese has melted. If you're using a skillet, heat it to medium-high heat and add a pat of butter. Grill or fry the burgers for 4-5 minutes on each side, flipping only once, or until they reach an internal temperature of 140-160°F for medium doneness.
And that's it! Your pimento cheese burgers are now ready to serve and enjoy. Don't forget to have some extra napkins on hand, as these burgers can get a little messy!
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Frequently asked questions
Spread 2 tablespoons of pimento cheese over each patty.
Add the pimento cheese to your burger patty during the last minute of cooking. This will allow the cheese to melt.
You can cook your pimento cheese burger in a cast-iron skillet or on a grill.
To make pimento cheese, combine shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, cream cheese, pimentos, and spices such as cayenne pepper, paprika, or Old Bay Seasoning.
